Online Courses FAQs

Update on the termination of the Adams State University partnership as of Spring 2018

Official communications from Adams State University and the Gilder Lehrman Institute regarding termination of their partnership

Message from Matt Nehring, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Adams State University, July 10, 2017

We are writing today to inform you that as part of a broad restructuring at Adams State University, we are terminating our partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute after the Fall semester 2017. This termination is one of several partnerships we have decided to end this year. We have appreciated our three year relationship with the Gilder Lehrman Institute and the excellent educational programs they provide; however, we regret to share that beginning in 2018, we will no longer be offering Gilder Lehrman affiliated courses at Adams State University.

For past, current, and future students, this will mean:

Beginning in 2018, you may take Adams State University’s courses at a rate of $327 per credit hour (with an additional $17.50 technology fee). All of these courses will be credited towards Adams State University’s MA in Humanities, which many of you have already been working towards through the Gilder Lehrman Institute and Adams State University partnership.

Through Fall semester 2017, the cost will remain at $600 per course for the Gilder Lehrman affiliated courses and will be credited towards the Adams State MA in Humanities with an Emphasis in American History. But to reiterate, after the Fall semester 2017, Adams State University will not be offering Gilder Lehrman affiliated courses.

All students who plan to continue working toward the MA in Humanities are encouraged to contact the ASU Graduate Studies Office. If the rise in tuition is a concern, we are happy to discuss financial aid options with you.

We apologize for any inconvenience this transition may cause you and we hope you continue your studies with our University.

Message from The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, July 10, 2017

As you have seen, Adams State University has today announced that it is terminating our agreement with them at the end of the Fall 2017 semester. The termination is sudden and unexpected, but officials at Adams State University have informed us that they are doing their best to support you during the transition.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is in the midst of active negotiations with a potential partner university in a new master's degree in American History program, and we are very hopeful that a program with full accreditation will emerge in 2018. In these negotiations, our top priorities are high-quality courses such as we have offered in the past, the lowest possible tuition fee, and transfer credit for courses previously completed in the degree program with Adams State University.

In the meantime, here are two options:

If you plan to complete your MA at Adams State University under the new terms they have just announced and you have already completed 5 or more courses toward that degree, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has established a tuition fund that will grant financial aid to you in order to bridge the difference in tuition.

If you would prefer to suspend your coursework and wait to enroll in the new degree program that the Gilder Lehrman Institute is negotiating to create and you have already completed 1 or more courses, we will prioritize your enrollment in all the courses on offer in the new program once it begins.

We understand this development may be disconcerting, and we are disappointed to lose the opportunity to offer you our courses through Adams State University. But we are actively seeking to find a new partner and reinstate the program as soon as possible. Please accept our sincerest apologies and thank you for your patience and understanding.

You will need to consult with the university you wish to enroll in to find out how many credits you can transfer, but all courses taken through ASU have been fully accredited.

If I am enrolled at ASU and taking Gilder Lehrman courses, will I need to re-enroll in order to take ASU’s courses?

You will not need to re-enroll in order to continue taking courses with ASU.

If I enroll in ASU courses, what will the tuition be?

Through the Fall 2017 semester, the tuition for Gilder Lehrman courses will be $600 per course.

Beginning in 2018, Gilder Lehrman courses will no longer be available. If you continue to take ASU courses, the tuition will be $327 per credit hour (with an additional $17.50 technology fee).

If you have completed five or more Gilder Lehrman courses by the end of 2017, the Gilder Lehrman Institute has established a tuition fund to reimburse you for the difference between ASU’s tuition and $600. You must complete a form and submit to GLI an unofficial transcript and proof of payment to receive this reimbursement.

The Gilder Lehrman Institute is in the midst of active negotiations with a potential partner university in a new master's degree in American History program, and we are very hopeful that a program with full accreditation will emerge in 2018. In these negotiations, our top priorities are high-quality courses such as we have offered in the past, the lowest possible tuition fees, and transfer credit for courses previously completed in the degree program with Adams State University.

I’ve completed all my courses and am working on my thesis. Will I be affected by this?

You will not be affected by the termination. You can continue to work on your thesis and will have the same opportunity to graduate from ASU as before.

General

What is the workload for courses?

The typical workload for online courses is eight to ten short response papers and one longer project completed in stages during the semester. Reading assignments are approximately 150-250 pages. Students will also be required to participate in online discussion forums each week.

Are lectures available to view at any time?

Each lecture session will be available for viewing as soon as it is posted and will remain available throughout the semester. There is no limit on the number of times you may watch a lecture.

Technology

What platform are Adams State courses on?

Adams State online courses are on a Blackboard platform. You will receive a user name and password that are used for both your ASU email and your Blackboard account when you enroll. That account will stay valid for all subsequent courses, but you may be asked to change your password from time to time.

Do I need to be tech-savvy in order to take a Gilder Lehrman online course?

You should be comfortable using your computer for email and web browsing.

What sort of computer do I need in order to participate in the live sessions? Do I need speakers? Can I use an iPad?

Most recent computers or tablets with a good Internet connection can be used to access the courses. You do not need any special equipment to participate in the course.

What does each course cost?

Fall 2017 courses cost $600. You will receive a bill from ASU after you register.

Do you offer scholarships or any other financial aid?

Graduate participants who are teachers at Gilder Lehrman Affiliate Schools may apply for a scholarship. We offer two scholarships per course per semester. To check whether your school is a member of the Affiliate School Program, please click here. Scholarship information will be sent to everyone who has registered for courses once the registration window has closed. Students may apply for financial aid. For more information, visit the Adams State Financial Aid site.

What if I decide to withdraw? Can I get a refund of my registration fee?

Can I earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or Professional Development Points (PDPs)?

Gilder Lehrman online graduate courses are generally eligible for CEU and PDP credits, but it is your responsibility to verify eligibility with your school administration or state PD office prior to enrolling in a course. If you need more information to determine eligibility than is available on the course information page, please email us at [email protected].

Eligibility

May I join a Gilder Lehrman online course as a high school student or undergraduate college student?

No. In order to pursue graduate credit through our online courses, participants must already have an undergraduate degree.